NIHSA Issues Nationwide Flood Alert as River Niger and Benue Water Levels Rise

Nationwide Flood Alert Issued by NIHSA

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a nationwide flood alert, expressing serious concerns over imminent flooding in several states across Nigeria. The warning, disclosed by NIHSA's Director-General, Engr. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, October 16, 2025, or Friday, October 17, 2025, comes as water levels in the River Niger and River Benue continue to rise significantly.

The agency has identified several states at high risk of flooding, including Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Niger, Benue, and Adamawa. This situation is primarily attributed to the impacts of climate change and continuous heavy rainfall, which have led to elevated water levels along these major rivers.

Affected Regions and Official Advisories

Current hydrological data indicate high water levels along parts of the Niger and Benue Rivers, increasing the likelihood of localized flooding in surrounding communities. Specifically, water gauge data from key stations such as Lokoja, Umaisha, Makurdi, and Ibbi show consistently high levels, with Makurdi recording 'dangerously high water levels' and other stations nearing flood thresholds.

In response to the escalating threat, NIHSA has urged residents in flood-prone areas to:

• Remain vigilant and monitor water levels.
• Consider moving to higher grounds in line with official advisories from local authorities.
• Cooperate fully with emergency response agencies.

The agency also highlighted that recent water quality assessments conducted during flood evaluation exercises revealed contamination in some shallow wells due to floodwater intrusion, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration to ensure access to safe drinking water in affected communities.

NIHSA's Proactive Measures and Future Outlook

NIHSA is committed to a proactive, data-driven approach to flood and water management. The agency has expanded its real-time data collection and upgraded its early warning systems, with forecasts now supported by satellite imagery, digital modeling, and on-ground measurements to predict and communicate flood risks more effectively.

Director-General Mohammed also noted that NIHSA is developing a Five-Year Strategic Action Plan focused on innovation, regional empowerment, and stronger stakeholder engagement to guide its operations. This initiative aligns with the 'Renewed Hope Agenda' of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which emphasizes innovation, accountability, and measurable results. The agency also works closely with national institutions like NIMET, NEMA, and the National Water Resources Institute, as well as international bodies such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UNESCO, to ensure hydrological forecasts inform coordinated emergency responses.

The current alert follows the unveiling of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) on April 10, 2025, which forecast that 1,249 communities in 176 Local Government Areas across 33 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) fall within high flood-risk areas. The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, had previously warned of potential flooding on the Niger and Benue rivers.